The Labour government’s plans to cut winter fuel payment for most has caused much controversy of late.
Only those on pension credit or other qualifying benefits will receive the support, which amounts to up to £300.
This payment is set to enter the eligible person’s bank accounts between November and December.
An analysis by the House of Commons Library found that the previous winter around 10.8 million pensioners in England and Wales received the winter fuel payment compared to a meager 1.5 million this year.
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, recently admitted there was no impact assessment regarding the decision to cut winter fuel payments, which will inevitably have a knock-on on effect on millions of struggling pensioners.
The winter fuel payment is designed to help the poorest pensioners with their heating bills during the colder months.
However, this will only be for pensioners who were born before September 22 1958.
For the pensioners who don’t receive pension credit, the Government is urging them to check if they are in fact able to receive it as it’s a key qualifying benefit.
Roughly 900,000 pensioners don’t claim pension credit despite being eligible to do so.
Age UK added: “The winter fuel payment is an annual payment to help you with heating costs during the colder months.
“The Government announced in July 2024 that, from this year onwards, to be eligible you must have reached state pension age and also receive a qualifying means-tested benefit.”
Starmer argued that this loss for pensioners will be compensated by the fact pensions are set to rise by 4 percent by April, 2025.
However, this rise won’t reach pensioners’ pockets until next spring and will be spread throughout the year rather than being a lump sum much like the winter fuel payment.
Age UK said: “Winter Fuel Payments is an annual tax-free payment for households that include someone born on or before September 22, 1958 (for 2024-2025) and, from 2024 onwards, receive Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, on an award of Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit of at least £26 for the tax year 2024-25.
“If you are over state pension age and receive a qualifying benefit, you could get £200 towards your bills and if you’re over 80, you could get £300 to help with your bills in winter this year.”
